Residents of Kaura Namoda Local Government Area in Zamfara State are reeling in grief after news emerged that 35 of the 53 abductees taken by terrorists nearly three months ago have been killed.
The victims, seized from Banga wards, were reportedly executed by their captors while the remaining hostages were released under unclear circumstances.
The mass killing has sparked outrage and despair across the community, with locals blaming Governor Dauda Lawal Dare for what they describe as “a complete collapse of leadership and security.”
Many accuse the Governor of ignoring repeated pleas from affected families throughout the three-month ordeal. No government delegation was sent, and no official statement was made until the tragic deaths were confirmed.
“For three months, we cried for help. No one listened. Now, 35 people have been slaughtered while the government looked away,” said a local resident who lost two family members.
The attack has reignited criticism over Governor Dauda’s failure to deliver on his 2023 campaign promise to end insecurity within one month of assuming office. More than two years later, locals say the situation has only worsened.
According to community reports, over ₦4 billion has been paid in ransom to kidnappers across Zamfara in the past two years, yet abductions and killings persist unabated.
“The Governor has not visited any affected area. He hasn’t offered comfort or answers. We feel abandoned and betrayed,” said a community leader.
Meanwhile, residents expressed appreciation for the recent interventions by the Federal Government. They commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Muhammad Matawalle, for their ongoing efforts to curb insecurity in the North-West.
Still, locals fear these federal initiatives are being undermined by the state’s inaction.
“This isn’t just neglect; it’s a violation of public trust,” said one youth leader. “We are not demanding miracles—just a government that protects its people.”
With tension rising, community members are calling for urgent federal attention, demanding that Governor Dauda Lawal Dare be held accountable for his alleged failure to uphold his constitutional duty as Chief Security Officer of the state.